2022 Ford Ranger 2.0L Diesel · MA72 LPX

A pattern of front suspension wear and cabin safety degradation has emerged on the Ford Ranger, casting a shadow over what should otherwise be a relatively youthful mechanical record. The 2025-08-01 test resulted in a failure on four counts, three of which carried Major defect status, including both front lower suspension arm ball joints and a brake pedal anti-slip cover that had worn smooth. Just twenty-eight days later the vehicle returned for a re-test on 2025-08-29 and achieved a Pass, yet the advisories recorded on that occasion reveal lingering issues that were not fully resolved between visits. The split CV boot on the nearside front outer drive shaft and the slightly frayed nearside front seat belt webbing represent ongoing deterioration rather than rectified defects. Given that the lower suspension arm ball joints on both sides were deemed excessively worn only weeks earlier, the possibility that the replacement was limited to the joint itself rather than the complete arm assembly warrants close attention, as worn bushes within the arm casting can mimic ball joint failure and recur shortly after a repair. With 32,416 miles recorded against an approximate four-year age, the Ranger has averaged around 8,100 miles annually, which sits comfortably within expected usage parameters for a working pickup of this type and suggests regular rather than sporadic operation. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would indicate extended periods off the road, and the mileage progression appears consistent with steady daily or work-related driving. Mechanically, an annual accumulation at this level means the major consumables such as discs, pads, and tyres will have absorbed moderate wear, but the suspension and drivetrain components should not yet be at the end of their natural service life on a well-maintained example. The fact that front suspension ball joints have already required attention at this relatively modest mileage is therefore the more telling data point and points toward either harsh operating conditions, unrecorded kerb strikes, or components of marginal original quality. Any prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front suspension geometry and steering response during a test drive. Listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps and potholes, and feel for any vagueness or looseness in the steering as it returns to centre, both of which can indicate that the replacement ball joints have already begun to deteriorate or that adjacent components such as the track rod ends, anti-roll bar drop links, and lower arm bushes are now approaching the end of their service life. Inspect the inner and outer CV boots on both front drive shafts for any fresh grease contamination or fresh splits, since the advisory split on the nearside boot was noted only weeks ago and CV joint failure tends to progress rapidly once the boot is compromised. With the front end elevated, check for excessive free play at all suspension joints and look for any signs of uneven tyre wear across the front axle, which would corroborate ongoing geometry issues. The braking system also deserves careful scrutiny following the worn anti-slip pedal pad, which may indicate a driver who was resting heavy-booted feet on the pedal during hill-holding or extended stop-start traffic. Test the brake pedal for feel and progression; a long, soft pedal or any sponginess would suggest air ingress or master cylinder wear, while pulsation through the pedal under firm braking points to disc runout. Verify that the front fog lamp switch operates correctly and that both fog lamps illuminate when selected, as the failure on this item may have been a simple electrical fault but could also reflect deeper wiring or switch block degradation. Inspect the nearside front seat belt webbing along its entire length for any fraying, cuts, or stiffness, as a damaged belt represents a safety critical failure rather than a cosmetic concern. Finally, examine the nearside rear tyre for any inner-edge wear that may have worsened since the advisory, and check all four tyres for uniform brand, size, and tread depth to confirm none are mismatched or approaching the legal limit.